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Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream

Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cashew Cream


  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten Free

Description

Dairy free and gluten free, this creamy cajun chicken pasta is a lightened up version of a comfort food classic! A cozy recipe made with cashew cream instead of dairy that’s perfect for any night of the week that’s wholesome, and full of big, crave-able Cajun flavor!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 12 ounces gluten free pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 a large red pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 a large yellow or orange pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Pinch or two of cayenne (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Parsley, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak Cashews: Cover raw cashews with boiled water for 30-60 minutes, or simmer on the stove top for 10 minutes until pale and plump.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil gluten free pasta according to package instructions, reserve 3/4 cup cooking water, and drain.
  3. Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, thyme, and cayenne.
  4. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat, add chicken, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of spice mix, cook through, and set aside.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  6. Add Paste: Stir in tomato paste and remaining spice mix; cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then remove from heat.
  7. Blend Sauce: Blend drained cashews, broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper on high until super smooth and creamy.
  8. Combine: Return skillet to medium low heat, stir in cooked pasta, chicken, and cashew cream sauce.
  9. Simmer: Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time to reach desired consistency.
  10. Serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in a sealed container. Freezing: Not recommended. To re-heat: Warm on low in a skillet or microwave, adding water, nut milk, or broth to restore consistency.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 710 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: dairy free, gluten free, meal prep, one pot, stovetop, cashews, chicken, cajun